Jesus' Example to Mothers

And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her. And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them. And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. And all the city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him. And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. And Simon and they that were with him followed after him. And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee. And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils. (Mark 1:29-39)

Jesus was busy! He was constantly at work to make the most of the time He had on earth. He was teaching in the synagogue and healing. Then after a brief rest he spent a good portion of the evening healing those who came to him. And after all that, he got up early to spend time with the Father. Jesus had a physical body just like we do that got tired. Jesus put His time with God before His need for rest. 

As a mom, my time with Jesus is always the most vital and important part of my day. I need it more than anything else, including extra sleep. I must go to God to get what I need for the day. And then I must make the most of my time. 

And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him. And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. (Mark 6:31-34)

They had been on a mission out working and fulfilling God's command for their lives. They were in a busy place surrounded by people and needs and work " for there were many coming and going, and they had leisure so much as to eat." They were going to rest; Jesus told them so.  But what did they find at their resting spot?  People with needs! We are often met with needy people when we are tired and seeking rest. Babies have alarms that tell them mom just laid down. Toddlers wake up at night. Husbands have crazy work schedules and need food. Your family needs a decently clean house, clean laundry. Children need attention, training, and correction. 

What was Jesus' reaction to the interruption of his rest? Frustration? Aggravation? Abruptness that hurts feelings and makes little people feel unwanted? No. He responded with compassion. And compassion is an action word. Jesus met their needs. He taught them. He fed them. He loved them through His life, His giving of Himself. 

I can always look to Jesus as my example. I can always look to Jesus to see how I am supposed to act and respond. Jesus understands the demands placed on a mother. 

What do I need as a mother surrounded by work and needs? I need time with God. And then I need God's help to respond with compassion to the little (and bigger!) people who need me to give of myself.